Ezra 4:6
Ezra 4:6 in Multiple Translations
At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, an accusation was lodged against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.
And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
And in the time of Ahasuerus, when he first became king, they put on record a statement against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.
When Ahasuerus became king the local people sent him a written accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.
And in the reigne of Ahashuerosh (in the beginning of his reigne) wrote they an accusation against the inhabitants of Iudah and Ierusalem.
And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the commencement of his reign, they have written an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem;
In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote to him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
And in the reign of Assuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Juda and Jerusalem.
During the first year that Darius’ son Xerxes was king, the enemies of the Jews wrote a note to the king saying that the Jews were planning to rebel against the government.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 4:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezra 4:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בְ/מַלְכוּת֙
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ
בִּ/תְחִלַּ֖ת
מַלְכוּת֑/וֹ
כָּתְב֣וּ
שִׂטְנָ֔ה
עַל
יֹשְׁבֵ֥י
יְהוּדָ֖ה
וִ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
וּ/בְ/מַלְכוּת֙
malkûwth
H4438
royalty
Conj | Prep | N-fs
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ
ʼĂchashvêrôwsh
H325
Ahasuerus
N-proper
בִּ/תְחִלַּ֖ת
tᵉchillâh
H8462
beginning
Prep | N-fs
מַלְכוּת֑/וֹ
malkûwth
H4438
royalty
N-fs | Suff
כָּתְב֣וּ
kâthab
H3789
to write
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שִׂטְנָ֔ה
siṭnâh
H7855
accusation
N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יֹשְׁבֵ֥י
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
יְהוּדָ֖ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
וִ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Conj | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 4:6
וּ/בְ/מַלְכוּת֙
malkûwth
H4438
"royalty"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
Royalty or royal power refers to the authority and dominion of a king or queen, like Solomon's reign in Israel. It can also mean the kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch. The word is used in the Bible to describe sovereign power and authority.
Definition: 1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power 1a) royal power, dominion 1b) reign 1c) kingdom, realm Aramaic equivalent: mal.khu (מַלְכוּ "kingdom" H4437)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. See also: Numbers 24:7; Esther 1:9; Psalms 45:7.
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ
ʼĂchashvêrôwsh
H325
"Ahasuerus"
N-proper
Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes, was a powerful king of Persia who ruled during the time of the Israelites' exile. He's mentioned in the book of Ezra and is known for his marriage to Vashti and his role in biblical history. Ahasuerus played a significant part in shaping the fate of the Israelites.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.6; married to Vashti (H2060); father of: Darius (H1868H) § Ahasuerus = "I will be silent and poor" title of the king of Persia, probably Xerxes
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Ahasuerus. See also: Ezra 4:6; Esther 3:7; Daniel 9:1.
בִּ/תְחִלַּ֖ת
tᵉchillâh
H8462
"beginning"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word means the start of something, like the beginning of a project or a new phase of life, as seen in Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) beginning, first 1a) the first time 1b) from the beginning, in the beginning (with prep)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begin(-ning), first (time). See also: Genesis 13:3; 2 Kings 17:25; Proverbs 9:10.
מַלְכוּת֑/וֹ
malkûwth
H4438
"royalty"
N-fs | Suff
Royalty or royal power refers to the authority and dominion of a king or queen, like Solomon's reign in Israel. It can also mean the kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch. The word is used in the Bible to describe sovereign power and authority.
Definition: 1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power 1a) royal power, dominion 1b) reign 1c) kingdom, realm Aramaic equivalent: mal.khu (מַלְכוּ "kingdom" H4437)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. See also: Numbers 24:7; Esther 1:9; Psalms 45:7.
כָּתְב֣וּ
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
שִׂטְנָ֔ה
siṭnâh
H7855
"accusation"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means accusation or opposition, often used to describe conflict or enmity. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the book of Job. It refers to a charge or complaint against someone.
Definition: accusation, enmity
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: accusation. See also: Ezra 4:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יֹשְׁבֵ֥י
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
יְהוּדָ֖ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וִ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Conj | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
Study Notes — Ezra 4:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 4:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 4:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 4:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:6
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:6
- Barnes' Notes on Ezra 4:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:6
- Sermons on Ezra 4:6
Context — Opposition under Xerxes and Artaxerxes
4Then the people of the land set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build.
5They hired counselors against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.
6At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, an accusation was lodged against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.
7And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. It was written in Aramaic and then translated. 8Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote the letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 1:1 | This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. |
| 2 | Daniel 9:1 | In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes, a Mede by descent, who was made ruler over the kingdom of the Chaldeans — |
| 3 | Acts 24:5–9 | We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.” The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true. |
| 4 | Matthew 27:37 | Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. |
| 5 | Acts 24:13 | Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me. |
| 6 | Revelation 12:10 | And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down— he who accuses them day and night before our God. |
| 7 | Acts 25:7 | When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove. |
Ezra 4:6 Summary
Ezra 4:6 tells us that at the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, an accusation was lodged against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. This means that the people who were trying to rebuild the temple and restore their community faced new opposition and challenges, as seen in Ezra 4:1-5. However, even in the face of opposition, God is still in control, as seen in Romans 8:28, and we can trust in His sovereignty and faithfulness, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7. As we face our own challenges and opposition, we can learn from the example of the people of Judah and Jerusalem and trust in God's goodness and plan for our lives, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11 and Isaiah 46:10-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the reign of Xerxes in Ezra 4:6?
The reign of Xerxes marks a new period of opposition against the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as seen in Ezra 4:6, and is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 44:28, which speaks of the Persian kings' role in God's plan.
Who lodged the accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem?
The verse does not specify who lodged the accusation, but based on the context of Ezra 4:1-5, it is likely that it was the adversaries of Judah, who had been trying to frustrate their plans to rebuild the temple, as mentioned in Ezra 4:1-5 and Nehemiah 4:1-3.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Ezra?
Ezra 4:6 is part of a larger narrative that describes the challenges faced by the people of Judah as they try to rebuild the temple and restore their community, as seen in Ezra 4:1-24 and Haggai 1:1-15, and ultimately points to God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as expressed in Isaiah 46:10-11.
What can we learn from the accusation lodged against the people of Judah and Jerusalem?
This verse teaches us that even in the face of opposition and accusation, God is still in control, as seen in Romans 8:28, and that we should trust in His sovereignty and faithfulness, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I face opposition or accusation in my own life, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness in those situations?
- How does the reign of Xerxes in Ezra 4:6 relate to the larger story of God's redemption and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 45:1-7 and Ezekiel 36:22-32?
- What can I learn from the perseverance and faith of the people of Judah and Jerusalem in the face of opposition, as seen in Ezra 4:1-24 and Nehemiah 4:1-3?
- How can I apply the principles of trust and faithfulness, as seen in Ezra 4:6, to my own life and circumstances, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:6
And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign,.... According to Jarchi, this was Ahasuerus the husband of Esther; but, as most think (d), was Cambyses, the son and successor of Cyrus;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:6
And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 4:6
In the reign of Ahasuerus; which is supposed by divers learned men to be from this time a common name to divers succeeding kings of Persia. And this makes it seem doubtful who this was. This was either, 1. Xerxes the fourth and rich king of Persia, as he is called, . Or rather, 2. Cambyses the son and successor of Cyrus, as may appear, 1. Because none but he and Smerdis were between Cyrus and this Darius. 2. Because Cambyses was known to be no friend to the Jewish nation nor religion; and therefore it is very improbable that these crafty, and malicious, and industrious enemies of the Jews would omit so great an opportunity when it was put into their hands.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:6
Ezra 4:6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they [unto him] an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.Ver. 6. And in the reign of Ahasuerus] That is, of Cambyses, who is also called Artaxerxes in the next verse; for these two names were given to many kings of Persia; like as Pharaoh was to the kings of Egypt, as a title of honour. Ahasuerus signifieth a hereditary prince. Daniel calleth him the prince of the kingdom of Persia, Daniel 10:13, because he was viceroy in his father’ s absence. Infamous he is for many lewd pranks (as that he killed his brother, and then his own sister, after he had first married her, and made a law that any man might do the like), yet was he not so ungracious a son to Cyrus as our Henry II’ s eldest son was; whom he not only crowned king during his own life, but also, to do him honour at his coronation, renounced the name of a king for that day, and, as sewer, served at the table. For which he was thus requited, My father, said he, is not dishonoured by attending on me; for I am both a king’ s and a queen’ s son, and so is not he. In the beginning of his reign] As loth to lose time (Esau began in the very womb to persecute Jacob), and as taking their fittest season for granting of suits. Wrote they an accusation] Heb. a Satanical suggestion, a diabolical accusation, hatched in hell, and dictated by the devil. He it is that acteth and agitateth the saints’ adversaries and accusers; sitting upon their tongues and pens, and setting an edge on them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 4:6
(6) In the beginning of his reign.—This Ahasuerus, another name for Cambyses, reigned seven years; and his accession to the throne was the time seized by the Samaritans for their “accusation,” of which we hear nothing more; suffice that the building languished.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:6
Verse 6. In the reign of Ahasuerus] This is the person who is called Cambyses by the Greeks. He reigned seven years and five months; and during the whole of that time the building of the temple was interrupted.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:6
6. Ahasuerus] R.V. margin ‘Or Xerxes. Heb. Ahashverosh’. The well-known Xerxes, the son of Darius, who reigned 20 years (485–465). He is generally identified with the Ahasuerus of the book ‘Esther’. in the beginning of his reign] i.e. on the death of Darius, who had favoured the Jews. unto him] R.V. omits these words, which are not found in the Hebrew. an accusation] Heb. ‘sitnah’, which occurs elsewhere only in Genesis 26:21 as the name of a well called ‘sitnah’ or ‘enmity’ by Isaac on account of the opposition of the Philistines. Akin to the name ‘Satan’, opposer. The LXX. misunderstanding the original renders by ἐπιστολή. the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem] Another designation, cf. Ezra 4:1 ‘Judah and Benjamin’, Ezra 4:4 ‘the people of Judah’.
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 4:6
Ahasuerus - Or, Cambyses, the son and successor of Cyrus. Persian kings had often two names.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:6
6. Ahasuerus — It is quite generally allowed that by this king we are to understand Cambyses, the son and successor of Cyrus.
Sermons on Ezra 4:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Studies in Esther-01 Esther1-2 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Esther from the Bible. He starts by highlighting how God was displeased with the behavior of men who were given over to wine and |
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Predictions - Housing Crash Depression by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the influence of the American gospel and Jesus on other countries. He expresses concern about how American culture, including gangs and rap so |
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The Seventy 70's of Daniel by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, Brother Stephen Cohn discusses God's plan for His people, Israel, and the church. He emphasizes God's concern for His chosen people to be fully restored to Him. Coh |
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(Daniel) Daniel the Intercessor by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reliability and inspiration of the scriptures. They emphasize that while there may be some minor errors or copying mistakes in the transmi |
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John Sung by David Smithers by John Sung | David Smithers preaches about the life and ministry of John Sung, a remarkable revivalist who embodied the prophetic voice of repentance in the modern Church. He emphasizes that li |
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A Clearer Vision of Christ by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of repentance as illustrated in the book of Daniel. After Daniel's heartfelt confession, he received a profound vision of Jesus |
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The Remnant Principle - 5 by Chip Brogden | Chip Brogden preaches on the principles learned from the Book of Daniel. He emphasizes the Lord's Purpose for Christ to have preeminence, the concept of a Remnant chosen to fulfill |